100 Women in Hedge Funds raises $1.4m for DonorsChoose.org

Effecting Change Award Presented to Dr. Marna Whittington and David Rubenstein at Annual New York Gala

Establishes Special Initiative to Maintain Fundraising Efforts for Local Schools Affected by Hurricane Sandy

New York, NY - November 15, 2012 - 100 Women in Hedge Funds ("100WHF"), a leading global non-profit organization for professionals in the alternative investment management industry, today announced that through the success of its annual New York Gala and other regional fundraising events so far this year, $1.4 million in gross proceeds were raised for the benefit of DonorsChoose.org, an innovative online charity connecting donors to classrooms in need.

100 Women in Hedge Funds has also launched a special initiative to extend its contribution to DonorsChoose.org, inviting its global membership of more than 10,000 members to donate additional funds to support schools and students located in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area affected by Hurricane Sandy.

At last night's Gala, 100WHF presented its 2012 U.S. Industry Leadership and 2012 Effecting Change Awards to Dr. Marna Whittington, former CEO of Allianz Global Investors Capital and David Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer of The Carlyle Group.

Announcing the Effecting Change Award selections, Lauren Malafronte, Board member of 100 Women in Hedge Funds said, "We are thrilled to honor Dr. Marna Whittington and David Rubenstein. Marna truly exemplifies what it means to be a leader in both her public and personal life and is an inspiration and true role model for the hedge fund community. David has continuously devoted his time and resources to philanthropic work with leading cultural institutions and universities, as well as provided strong leadership in global economic research and higher education. We are very proud to have them here tonight."

Since its formation in 2001, 100WHF has raised more than $25 million globally to support various charities in the fields of Women's and Family Health, Mentoring and Education, which reflect 100WHF's three core pillars. Beneficiaries are chosen on a rotating basis by 100WHF's Board of Directors, and the philanthropic theme for 2012 is Education.

"We are thrilled to receive this support from 100WHF, recognizing the perennial need for schools across the nation to provide necessary day-to-day and supplementary supplies for the classroom," said Charles Best, Founder and CEO of DonorsChoose.org. "Now, we are especially grateful that the members of 100WHF are going above and beyond to come to the rescue of area schools which are in need of serious help to recover from the devastation of the hurricane. As we mend and rebuild from the storm, 100WHF's generosity will be invaluable."

In addition to her role as CEO Allianz Global Investors Capital, Marna Whittington was previously the COO and a member of the Management Board of Allianz Global Investors and COO of Morgan Stanley Asset Management. Dr. Whittington has also served as Executive Vice President and CFO of the University of Pennsylvania, Budget Director and later, Secretary of Finance for the State of Delaware, and the Deputy Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She currently is a Board member for many well-respected organizations.

David Rubenstein co-founded The Carlyle Group in 1987 and began his career practicing law at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison. Mr. Rubenstein formerly served as Chief Counsel to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Constitutional Amendments and was Deputy Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy during the Carter Administration. Following his service at the White House, Mr. Rubenstein practiced law in Washington D.C. with Shaw, Pittman, Potts & Trowbridge (now Pillsbury, Winthrop, Shaw Pittman). Mr. Rubenstein is actively involved with a number of philanthropic endeavors and organizations as a member of the Board of Directors or Trustees.

The annual 100WHF New York Gala was held at Cipriani 42nd Street last night and attended by more than 500 members and leaders of the alternative investment industry. Pete Dominick was the Master of Ceremonies and the P.S.22 Chorus performed. Steven Colbert, host of Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" attended the dessert reception.

To make a donation to DonorsChoose.org, please contact Amanda Pullinger, Executive Director of 100 Women in Hedge Funds.